Civil and Municipal - Jan 2024

point, but it’s going to save you down the road,” He acknowledges. “There’s no sense in trying to keep up with that trend. You’re going to be constantly carrying the heavy equipment out there, fixing that road, versus stripping it down and redoing everything from the ground up.” ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS The economic vitality of Lancaster benefits from proactive economic development initiatives, including the introduction of Brazen Brewery, a brewer-owned and operated establishment in the heart of the community, and Premier Dog Sports and Event Center, a unique 26,000-square-foot facility attracting visitors from across the continent. “We’re the only ones in New York State to have the Premier Dog Sports and Event Center,” Ruffino explains. “Nobody wanted them for some reason. I met with the proposed owner at the time. She explained the plan, and it touched my heart a little bit because I knew what she was trying to build was a training facility and a place to hold competitions.” Welcoming the initiative with open arms, the town’s support led to the successful establishment of the facility, attracting participants from across the United States and Canada. Ruffino emphasizes the substantial tourism boost, with visitors staying for extended periods, patronizing local businesses, dining in restaurants, and contributing to the economic vitality of Lancaster. “I’m so proud of that company, they’re doing so well. And it’s just having an open mind to accept something like that and looking at the future.” Ruffino also discussed the success in keeping a notable warehouse in the community. Facing imminent closure after a buyout, a plan was devised to extend an expiring tax incentive program for another five years. “We didn’t get the full tax that we were going to get, but we didn’t lose any money,” he reports. “I looked at it as risking losing everything that we have and risking all those jobs, versus keeping things level for another five years. I’m proud of being able to be part of that, saving 700 jobs and not having to see families suffer through another loss through these dire times.” As for other valuable collaborations and partnerships, the Town of Lancaster relies on a strong relationship with the Lancaster Depew Elma Chamber of Commerce, which acts as a vital support and promoter for local businesses. Ruffino also names the Villages of Depew and Lancaster as important partners in the community. Partnering with Wm. Schutt and Associates is beneficial as Ruffino states,“We don’t have our own engineer; we outsource to them. They are a local company, they’re right around the corner from town hall. They don’t make all the decisions, but they present the decisions to the town board and they are very well thought out,” he says. A VISION FOR THE FUTURE As Ruffino contemplates the future of the Town of Lancaster, he reflects, “You have to keep up with the times. I know that commercial development, 167 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 01 LANCASTER , NEW YORK